DiagnosisIf you go to a doctor for burn treatment, he or she will assess the severity of your burn by examining your skin. He or she may recommend that you be transferred to a burn center if your burn covers more than 10 percent of your total body surface area, is very deep, is on the face, feet or groin, or meets other criteria established by the American Burn Association. Show
Your doctor will check for other injuries and might order lab tests, X-rays or other diagnostic procedures. TreatmentMost minor burns can be treated at home. They usually heal within a couple of weeks. For serious burns, after appropriate first aid and wound assessment, your treatment may involve medications, wound dressings, therapy and surgery. The goals of treatment are to control pain, remove dead tissue, prevent infection, reduce scarring risk and regain function. People with severe burns may require treatment at specialized burn centers. They may need skin grafts to cover large wounds. And they may need emotional support and months of follow-up care, such as physical therapy. Medical treatmentAfter you have received first aid for a major burn, your medical care may include medications and products that are intended to encourage healing.
Physical and occupational therapyIf the burned area is large, especially if it covers any joints, you may need physical therapy exercises. These can help stretch the skin so that the joints can remain flexible. Other types of exercises can improve muscle strength and coordination. And occupational therapy may help if you have difficulty doing your normal daily activities. Surgical and other proceduresYou may need one or more of the following procedures:
Lifestyle and home remediesTo treat minor burns, follow these steps:
Whether your burn was minor or serious, use sunscreen and moisturizer regularly once the wound is healed. Coping and supportCoping with a serious burn injury can be a challenge, especially if it covers large areas of your body or is in places readily seen by other people, such as your face or hands. Potential scarring, reduced mobility and possible surgeries add to the burden. Consider joining a support group of other people who have had serious burns and know what you're going through. You may find comfort in sharing your experience and struggles and meeting people who face similar challenges. Ask your doctor for information on support groups in your area or online. Preparing for your appointmentSeek emergency medical care for burns that are deep or involve your hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, a major joint or a large area of the body. Your emergency room physician may recommend examination by a skin specialist (dermatologist), burn specialist, surgeon or other specialist. For other burns, you may need an appointment with your family doctor. The information below can help you prepare. List questions you want to ask your doctor, such as:
What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:
Aug. 13, 2022 What type of fluid is preferred for burn patients?Initial fluid selection — Initial fluid resuscitation of the patient with moderate or severe burns consists of an intravenous crystalloid solution, typically Lactated Ringer (LR) solution.
Which water is appropriate for the first aid management of burns?But do not try to remove anything that's stuck to the burnt skin, as this could cause more damage. Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible after the injury. Never use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances like butter. Keep yourself or the person warm.
What solution is best for patients who experienced burn?Run cool water over your finger or hand for 10 to 15 minutes. After flushing the burn, cover it with a dry, sterile bandage. If necessary, take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Can a burn patient drink water?However, he recommended that if a patient drinks, death will follow. Drinking Na+ free fluids can cause severe hyponatremia and cerebral edema. On the other hand, drinking electrolyte solution is an effective means of burn resuscitation.
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